Even though it's called a summer training camp, the structure isn't radically different. The main difference is time—we can train all day, without the usual school interruptions.
Still, the heat is relentless. So after lunch, we usually swim until evening to cool off and protect ourselves from overheating.
"Gather up!"
I gathered everyone and divided them into three groups based on their training needs.
"First group: Rice-chan, Mihono-san, Nishino-san, and Symboli-san. You'll focus on improving your racing abilities. Especially Symboli-san—I want to tighten her form and build explosive power, so I'll be strict."
"Yes."
"Understood."
"Okay."
"Got it."
"Second group: Lovely and Thunder. You'll work on building stamina. With a solid base, your running will improve naturally."
"Yes, okay."
"Understood."
"Third group: Sanei-san. You'll focus on building your body. You're still delicate, so we'll strengthen you gradually."
"Eh…"
"Alright, everyone has a training menu. You'll work in pairs: Rice with Symboli, Mihono with Nishino, and Sanei with me. Let's do our best. Good morning!"
The group dispersed, leaving me alone with Sanei Thank You in the trainer's room.
Lovely had brought her here. But I didn't know much about her—she was quiet, always in the corner of class. Not someone I'd ever interacted with directly.
But Lovely must've noticed something. She's our class president, after all.
I'd pieced together fragments from past life knowledge, guessed at Sanei's physical and emotional state, and formed a hypothesis. But that's all it was—a guess. I needed to hear it from her directly.
"Oh, um… we should probably start training."
"Yeah."
Instead, I began setting up an afternoon tea set.
The cake stand, teacups, and teapot were gifts from my mother. I'd bought them to enjoy with Rice, but this was the first time I was using them.
The food was hearty—courtesy of the dorm cafeteria. Not fancy, but filling.
"Sanei's morning workout is to eat all of this."
"…Are you joking?"
"I'm serious. Eating is part of training. If you can't eat this much, you won't last through practice."
It wasn't an excessive amount—just a standard horse girl meal. Less than half of what Rice and I eat daily.
Sanei sat down reluctantly, sensing I wouldn't back down.
As she began eating, I leaned forward.
"I'd also like to hear your story."
"My story?"
"I heard there's trouble at home."
"…What's the point? You can't do anything."
"If you truly want help, there are things I can do. Even this camp is built on borrowed favors."
I'm not arrogant enough to think I can fix everything. But I've played enough cards to know my hand isn't empty.
The Academy still owe me for taking in Trot Thunder. If I pulled out now, I'd be fine—but the school would be in trouble. And that gives me leverage.
If I begged Rice's parents, they'd help. The debt would grow, but they wouldn't turn me away.
I could even negotiate with Kurifuji herself. The first president of the Uma Musume Association holds immense power. The cost would be high, but the impact would be real.
Lovely, Nishino, Symboli—they're all good people. If I asked, they'd do their best.
But none of that matters unless the person in front of me truly wants help.
I won't force it. I won't play savior on a whim.
Rice Shower was the same. She started off fragile, negative. Now she's bold, confident—sometimes too much so. But she changed because she wanted to.
That's what her parents saw in her. That's what they appreciated.
Helping Sanei Thank You might mean sacrificing a lot. If my guess is right, it's not just about training—it's about family.
And right now, her determination is being tested.
Will she abandon the weight she's carrying? Or will she ask for help?